Dictionary
Thesaurus
Reference
Translate
Web
Related Searches
on Ask.com
Synonyms
Nearby Entries
intimidating - 3 dictionary results

in⋅tim⋅i⋅date

   [in-tim-i-deyt]
–verb (used with object), -dat⋅ed, -dat⋅ing.
1. to make timid; fill with fear.
2. to overawe or cow, as through the force of personality or by superior display of wealth, talent, etc.
3. to force into or deter from some action by inducing fear: to intimidate a voter into staying away from the polls.
Origin:
1640–50; < ML intimidātus, ptp. of intimidāre to make afraid, equiv. to L in- in- 2 + timid(us) timid, afraid + -ātus -ate 1
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.
Cite This Source
in·tim·i·date     (ĭn-tĭm'ĭ-dāt')  Pronunciation Key 
tr.v.   in·tim·i·dat·ed, in·tim·i·dat·ing, in·tim·i·dates
  1. To make timid; fill with fear.
  2. To coerce or inhibit by or as if by threats.


[Medieval Latin intimidāre, intimidāt- : Latin in-, causative pref.; see in-2 + Latin timidus, timid; see timid.]

in·tim'i·dat'ing·ly adv., in·tim'i·da'tion n., in·tim'i·da'tor n.
Synonyms: These verbs all mean to frighten into submission, compliance, or acquiescence. Intimidate implies the presence or operation of a fear-inspiring force: "It [atomic energy] may intimidate the human race into bringing order into its international affairs" (Albert Einstein).
Browbeat suggests the persistent application of highhanded, disdainful, or imperious tactics: browbeating a witness.
Bulldoze connotes the leveling of all spirit of opposition: was bulldozed into hiring an unacceptable candidate.
Cow implies bringing out an abject state of timorousness and often demoralization: a dog that was cowed by abuse.
To bully is to intimidate through blustering, domineering, or threatening behavior: workers who were bullied into accepting a poor contract.
Bludgeon suggests the use of grossly aggressive or combative methods: had to be bludgeoned into fulfilling his duties.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2006 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
intimidating

adjective
discouraging through fear [syn: daunting] 

WordNet® 3.0, © 2006 by Princeton University.
Cite This Source
Share :Share This: digg.comShare This: www.stumbleupon.comShare This: del.icio.usShare This: FacebookShare This: favorites.live.comShare This: www.technorati.comShare This: furl.netShare This: www.myspace.comShare This: www.google.comShare This: myweb2.search.yahoo.comShare This: myjeeves.ask.com
Search another word or see intimidating on Thesaurus | Reference | Translate
Get your FREE Subscription to Dictionary.com Word of the Day
The FREE Dictionary.com Toolbar
Dictionary Thesaurus Reference
The answers are right on your browser and just a click away with Dictionary.com Toolbar.